This past Sunday we celebrated the coming of the Spirit by commemorating the day of Pentecost. When the Spirit came upon the people gathered in Jerusalem (see Acts 2:1-21), it came like the rush of a violent wind, filling the whole house. This was no “calm” Spirit that came in like a gentle breeze. This was a forceful Spirit that interrupted everything going on. Given the intensity of this moment, it would’ve been challenging for anyone present to not pay attention. And given the momentum of this moment, it would’ve been challenging for this interruption to not interrupt – and change – everyone involved.
Looking back on the story, it might be easy to recognize that this was a significant moment for those people, signaling the birth of the church. But when we bring this story to ourselves, and when we think about the coming of the Spirit in our lives, and in the world today, I have to wonder how we’d respond to the Spirit working in us, and through us, in the same way. For when we think of ourselves, are we willing to be interrupted by the Spirit? And, are we willing to be transformed by the Spirit?
Plain and simple: the Spirit has the power to change our lives, our world, and our church. But that change is not just for change sake. Rather, the power of the Spirit that comes among us interrupts us to foster growth, flourishing, and life.
Think of those little plant seedlings you see at greenhouses this time of year. Once you purchase those seedlings, it’s likely those little guys have already been exposed to extra wind in the greenhouse, making ’em bend. Now, if I were those plants, I’m sure that wouldn’t feel great. But all that wind causes the seedlings to establish deeper and broader root systems, and it causes the seedlings to grow a thicker, stronger base rather than being thin and spindly.
In the same way, when the Spirit interrupts us, while it may feel as though it’s making us bend this way and that, that wind of the Spirit is for our growth, our flourishing, and our life.
So as we go forth from the Day of Pentecost into the long season of Pentecost, consider for yourself: are you willing to be surprised – even interrupted – by the Spirit? It might feel a bit uncomfortable at times, but it is that wind of the Spirit that longs to blow through you – filling you with life, and ushering you forth to live in the hope of God’s Kingdom.